DEAR ABBY: While dining out these past couple of weeks, I have noticed something troubling. I have overheard several elderly people talking very loudly on their cell phones and giving out personal information.

I overheard one woman from across the restaurant tell someone on the other end where her checkbook and deposit slips were located and repeat her account number. She even revealed her account balance. (There was well over $11,000 in her checking account alone.) Abby, anyone could have followed that woman home and robbed her blind.

Please print this as a reminder to everyone – but especially the elderly – that conversations like this should be conducted in a private setting, away from prying ears. This has happened the last three times I have dined out, and I’m concerned for their safety. – JAMIE IN SELLERSBURG, IND.

DEAR JAMIE: Thanks for the warning. Because we live in an era in which identity theft has become rampant, it’s more important than ever to safeguard personal and financial information. What you have described should never be discussed in a public place where it can be overheard. The next time it happens, approach the talker and explain that you heard the conversation clearly – and the next person who eavesdrops could take him or her to the cleaners.

Identity theft can take years to straighten out and recover from – and there are far happier and more stress-free ways to spend one’s final years.



DEAR ABBY: I’m a 14-year-old boy with a twin sister. We have always shared a room. Because I’m her twin brother, my sister trusts me and isn’t shy about undressing in front of me. She has a very attractive body, and I’m ashamed to say this, but I’m starting to have the wrong kind of feelings when I see her – if you know what I mean. Under the circumstances, I don’t think we should be sharing a room anymore.

We have a 16-year-old stepsister who lives with us. She has her own room, but she and my sister don’t get along. I think it would be more appropriate for them to share a room since we don’t have an extra bedroom.

If I say this, it’ll just look like I want my own room unless I tell everybody the reason, which I’m too ashamed to do.

I try to force myself to look the other way, but sometimes I can’t resist looking even though I know it’s wrong. What can I do? – ASHAMED IN DENVER

DEAR ASHAMED: Please stop feeling ashamed. You are maturing right on schedule. The time has come to have a frank talk with an adult male relative about this. This could be your father, your stepfather, an uncle, a grandparent – depending upon the makeup of your family. Believe me, they will understand. I agree there should be some changes in your household.

DEAR ABBY: I work for my brother-in-law and recently was doing some work on his computer when I found some nude pictures. The pictures were of women I happen to know, and they appear to have been taken by him while he was touching them.

Should I forget what I saw, or leave and look for a new job? Should I confront him or tell my sister? What would you do about this, Abby? – ANONYMOUS IN NEW YORK

DEAR ANONYMOUS: I would tell my sister in a New York minute what I had seen. Then I’d quit my job and look for another one. And that’s what I’d strongly recommend you do.



Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Abby shares more than 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Favorite Recipes by Dear Abby.” Send a business-size, self-addressed envelope, plus check or money order for $12 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby – Cookbooklet Set, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Postage is included in price.)